QUICK HITS
DARPA challenge: Applications are open for heavy-lift drone innovators.
Seven space systems the U.S. can’t afford to lose: 2026 readiness.
Overhauling acquisition and procurement: Rebuilding America’s defense industrial base means giving opportunties to non-primes.
8(a) small business preferences: oversight intensifies amid fraud concerns.
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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
DOD’s CMMC 2.0 now applies to AI—contractors, brace yourselves.
The FY 2026 NDAA’s Section 1513 directs the DOD to fold a brand-new AI/ML cybersecurity framework into CMMC and DFARS—covering everything from data poisoning to adversarial tampering—for all “covered” AI systems. Contractors must watch for a June 16 deployment roadmap as compliance looms.
USAF consolidates some acquisition program offices into mission-focused groups.
The USAF is consolidating several acquisition program offices into larger, mission-focused groups to streamline oversight and speed decision-making. Officials say the restructuring is meant to reduce duplication, improve coordination across programs, and better align acquisitions with operational needs.
White House EO makes contractors choose warfighter over dividends.
The W.H. issued an executive order—“Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting”—barring underperforming defense firms from issuing stock buybacks or paying dividends until they deliver on time and on budget. Identified firms must submit a 15-day remediation plan, or face penalties, including use of the Defense Production Act.
ICYMI:
USSF RFI: Space and Ground-based EM Commercial Data and Services.
DOD RFI: Portable Energy Node.
Flight School Next Phase competition: Bell, M1, Lockheed advances to second phase.
DOD seeks AI, ML solutions for Zero Trust compliance push.
Defense Contract Awards
Insight Pacific won a $15B Civil Engineering Center construction services deal.
Raytheon won a $17M Navy contract mod for MK698 Autopilot Test Station.
USMC picks NOC, Kratos team to build CCA drones in $232M deal.
ControlPoint Surveying and Sam O. Hirota will compete for projects on the Army’s $10M Geotechnical contract.
Follow the Defense Leaders
Defense Job Openings
ANGU is hiring a Program Manager.
NAVSEA is seeking a Manager.
TRIVIA 🤔
Which of the following U.S. aerospace prototypes was seriously studied—but never built—because its size and cost made it impractical?
Just click the choice you think is right & the correct answer will be shown. Scroll down to the bottom of this email for more information about the correct answer.
INTEL COMMUNITY
SOCOM exploring how AI can process biometrics, other data gathered by operators.
USSOCOM is experimenting with AI tools to speed up how forces collect, process, and exploit data gathered from operational sites during missions. Leaders say the goal is to turn raw information into actionable intelligence faster, giving operators a tactical edge while reducing manual analysis in high-tempo environments.
USSF moves to standardize satellites with “Handle 2.0” contract.
The USSF has awarded the Handle 2.0 contract to standardize satellite designs and interfaces, aiming to make future space systems faster to build, easier to upgrade, and more interoperable. Officials say the effort will reduce costs, speed deployment, and help the service respond more quickly to evolving threats in orbit.
ICYMI:
China hacks U.S. Congressional staff emails: report reveals breach.
Alrich Ames, CIA agent who sold secrets to the Soviets, dies aged 84.
RTX won a $110M NGA GDTS IV GEOINT Data Service Modernization deal.
The Secret Service is looking for a Program Manager.
CIVILIAN
SSA seeks nationwide system to manage caseload for smaller workforce.
The SSA is seeking a nationwide system to manage disability and benefits caseloads more efficiently as its workforce shrinks. Agency leaders say better workload tracking and automation are critical to maintaining service levels despite staffing shortages and rising demand.
NASA to demolish iconic Saturn V and Shuttle test towers.
NASA is set to implode two historic test towers at Marshall Space Flight Center—used to validate Saturn V rockets and the Space Shuttle—for a larger effort to tear down 25 aging facilities. Last called into action in the early 2000s, these towers are being retired (along with a neutral buoyancy tank) amid modernization efforts and digital preservation plans.
Senate pushes AI boost for SBA development centers.
A bipartisan duo introduced the AI for Main Street Act to turbocharge SBA’s development centers with AI coaching, cybersecurity bootcamps, and data protection support.
ICYMI:
NASA RFI: TERRA, AQUA, AND AURA (TAA) Missions.
OPM’s data overhaul reveals deeper federal workforce insights.
Medical issue may cut short Crew-11 mission.
US DOGE Service ramps up hiring after major workforce losses.
Civilian Contracts Awards
NIST awards WDS Salesforce Application Development contract to BCG.
WBK Engineering inked a $3M IHS GIMC Master Plan contract.
GSA strikes OneGov deal with Cohesity for AI-Powered Cybersecurity Protection.
Follow Civilian Leaders
Office of National Drug Control Policy has a new Director.
ASRC Federal names a GovCon powerhouse its Growth Operations SVP.
Civilian Job Openings
USCG needs an Agency Mail Manager.
DHS wants a Program Manager.
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M&A CORNER
NexTech buys Vidterra to boost Edge ISR capabilities.
NexTech Solutions has acquired Vidterra to sharpen its edge-deployed video and sensor data fusion tech—handling complex ISR environments with speed, precision, and resilience. Vidterra brings proven video distribution software for disconnected, low‑SWaP missions and an expert team providing continuity of support.
Karman to buy Seemann Composites and Material Sciences.
Karman Space & Defense has reached an agreement to acquire Seemann Composites and Materials Sciences. The move is designed to scale its support for the U.S. Navy’s modernization efforts, targeting high-priority programs in submarine technology and unmanned naval systems. The $220 million transaction will see both Seemann and MSC integrated as wholly owned subsidiaries.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
Common food preservatives linked to cancer and diabetes. A study tracking 170,000 participants compared their online diet and lifestyle reports with medical data from France’s national health system. SOURCE↗︎
U.N. Chief: U.S. must keep paying dues. This comes after the W.H. announced plans to withdraw support from over 30 U.N. initiatives. SOURCE↗︎
Maduro pleads not guilty. Maduro appeared before a federal judge for the initial hearing in his criminal case. SOURCE↗︎
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TRIVIA ANSWER ⭐️
A) The Lockheed CL-1201 — The CL-1201 was a Cold War–era concept for a nuclear-powered flying aircraft carrier with a wingspan larger than a football field—ambitious on paper, but never realistic enough to leave the drawing board. (Source)
